The path of reform undermined by paralyzing the work of the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Whistleblower Reporting Office created by the Ministry of Justice

On the occasion of the World Whistleblowers Day, Transparency International – Lebanon expresses deep concern about the ongoing challenges facing anti-corruption efforts in Lebanon.

On this meaningful occasion, we stress the need to expedite the activation of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the office dedicated to receiving whistleblower reports at the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the international conventions signed by Lebanon.

Transparency International – Lebanon recognizes the crucial role played by whistleblowers in documenting evidence and reporting violations to competent authorities. Encouraging and protecting whistleblowers is essential for the effectiveness and sustainability of anti-corruption efforts.

When provided with a safe and protected environment, more citizens are encouraged to expose corruption, leading to increased public awareness and tangible changes in the administrative and political structures of the state.

In line with this commitment, Transparency International – Lebanon is proud to announce the launch of “Ekhbar”, a service aimed at supporting whistleblowers of corruption. Through this service, individuals can receive free and confidential legal advice from specialized lawyers via a hotline that operates seven days a week and diligently following up with the relevant authorities.

Furthermore, the organization stresses that the National Anti-Corruption Commission is a crucial body in Lebanon’s anti-corruption efforts.

Transparency International – Lebanon calls upon the Lebanese government to swiftly adopt the bylaws of the Commission in accordance with international conventions signed by Lebanon as it is unacceptable that the bylaws are still stuck for more than a year while the law requires their endorsement within three months after the nomination of the commission members’ in January 2022. The government must also secure the necessary resources and capabilities for the Commission to effectively and independently carry out its mandate.

Additionally, we emphasize the importance of activating the office dedicated to receiving whistleblower reports  at the Ministry of Justice to ensure their privacy  and to uphold all their legal guarantees, in addition to providing the latter with the necessary resources to undertake its mission.

Moreover, we reiterate the importance of respecting the international conventions that Lebanon has signed, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. The UNCAC provides a comprehensive international framework for combating corruption and enhances international cooperation in this critical field.

The association also calls for the adoption of legislation to ensure the independence of the judiciary, as it plays a vital role in combating corruption. The judiciary should be empowered to protect whistleblowers and prosecute those involved in corrupt practices. Judges must have the ability to investigate, gather evidence, and deliver fair judgments in accordance with the law, free from political influence or external interference, respectively. An independent judiciary promotes the full and effective application of justice, contributing to the reduction of corruption and the establishment of a rule of law that garners the trust of citizens and the international community.

As an independent civil society organization, we urge the government, civil society, the private sector, and all citizens to actively engage in this national effort. Combating corruption is a shared responsibility that we must all assume.

On the World Whistleblowers Day, we remain committed to tirelessly working towards the establishment of a society where integrity, justice, and transparency prevail. The organization will continue to support anti-corruption efforts and actively educate and empower citizens to contribute to this endeavor.

Transparency International – Lebanon firmly believes in Lebanon’s potential to make significant progress in the fight against corruption and build a better tomorrow for future generations. By collectively addressing corruption as a national priority, we can contribute to creating a society rooted in accountability and good governance.